By Titus Eleweke
The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that the hospital is in a deplorable condition, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The allegations, the hospital said, was made by former staff member Dr Charles Kenechukwu during a podcast, alleged that the hospital had pothole-ridden roads, foul-smelling wards and an unequipped trauma centre.
In response, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and the Chief Medical Director, Dr Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, invited journalists for an unannounced inspection of the hospital.
During the tour, journalists observed that the hospital’s internal roads were in good condition, the wards were clean, and the trauma centre had been equipped with modern medical facilities, including a 64-slice CT scanner, although it is yet to be officially commissioned.
Obidike said the inspection was organised to allow the public independently verify the claims, insisting that the Soludo administration had invested heavily in upgrading healthcare infrastructure, improving staff welfare, recruiting health workers and equipping hospitals across the state.
He also said Anambra doctors are among the highest-paid in Nigeria and invited Dr Kenechukwu to visit the hospital to witness the ongoing transformation.
The CMD said the hospital has introduced major reforms, including digital payment systems, smart cards, piped oxygen, improved sanitation and stricter accountability measures.
She disclosed that Governor Charles Soludo recently approved the purchase of medical equipment worth N500 million and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making COOUTH a centre of excellence.
Some patients interviewed during the visit also commended the improvements, saying the hospital now offers better services in a cleaner and more conducive environment, restoring public confidence in the facility.
Tags: COOUTH, Anambra, Healthcare, Charles Soludo, COOUTH Amaku
